description Robert French Overview
Robert French served as Chief Justice of Australia from 2008 to 2017, appointed by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, having sat on the Federal Court of Australia since 1986.
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Robert French ranks #45 of 270 in the Judge ranking, behind Alton Brown, ahead of Jed S. Rakoff.
Respected Chief Justice with federal, native title, and public-law expertise; strong consensus reputation.
help Robert French FAQ
When did Robert French serve as Chief Justice of Australia?
Robert French served as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia from 2008 until his retirement in 2017. He was appointed to the position by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and was the first Chief Justice from Western Australia.
Who appointed Robert French as Chief Justice?
Robert French was appointed as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008. His appointment marked a historic moment as he became the first Western Australian to hold the nation's top judicial office.
What court did Robert French serve on before joining the High Court?
Before his elevation to the High Court, French served as a judge on the Federal Court of Australia beginning in 1986. During his time on the Federal Court, he also served as president of the National Native Title Tribunal, developing expertise in indigenous land rights law.
Was Robert French the first Chief Justice of Australia from Western Australia?
Yes, Robert French was the first person from Western Australia to serve as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. All previous Chief Justices had come from the eastern states, making his appointment a milestone for Western Australian jurisprudence.
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